Selma (2014)

I had honestly thought of just writing a one word review of Ava DeVernay's tale of a stand-off in 1965 Alabama over Civil Rights. That word was, "Wow!" From Paul Webb's powerful script comes a film that is equal parts historical drama and timely (and unfortunately timeless) critique of race relations in America. Behind the drama are the faces of two men who are looking to do what they feel is the right thing. The thing I loved most about these two men, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and President Lyndon B. Johnson (Tom Wilkinson), was how human they were both portrayed. Neither man is a cartoonishly styled archetype. Instead, they are both cogs in larger issue, who happen to be saddled with tough decisions that happen to have the lives of many in the balance.

DeVernay never lets the emotion drag in this film. She crafts it so meticulously, hitting every beat with expert precision. As Dr. King, David Oyelowo is stern, stoic, and tired. He makes mistakes, and isn't a perfect human being, but attempts to remain a shining example to a non-violent movement. Wilkinson's LBJ is driven more by procedure and politics, but strives to keep peace while waiting for pieces to fall into place. There is no mustache twirling, and he isn't villainous, he simply has a plan, and isn't trying to deviate. This cast, from top to bottom, is packed with lush performances: Carmen Ejogo as MLK's wife Coretta Scott King, Tim Roth as Governor George Wallace, Wendell Pierce as Reverend Hosea Williams, and (my personal favorite) Henry G. Sanders as Cager Lee, to name just a few. It is hard to not be moved by the events, and the brutality, on screen, and Ms. DeVernay deserves applause for capturing a moment in time so delicately.

Grade: A
3D: N/A
Easter Egg: No. Though the credit music is worth staying to listen to.

Starring: David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo
Director: Ava DeVernay
Writer(s): Paul Webb'
RT: 128 min
Rating: PG-13 for disturbing thematic material including violence, a suggestive moment, and brief strong language